Exploring Jesus in his context in order to follow him in ours.
That Jesus appealed to the Queen of Sheba—whom he likely envisioned as a black African woman—to rebuke the rising tide of racism, nationalism, and violence in his generation has powerful ramifications for followers of Jesus today.
We cannot become followers of Jesus without gaining a profound sense that we are outsiders and newcomers, searching for a friendly face among strangers. We belong with Jesus not by right, but by invitation only.
Those who build walls to keep from having to share their wealth and their privilege with their brothers and sisters do not espouse the morality of Jesus, but morals of Rome.
When questioned concerning which is the greatest of all the commandments, Jesus famously replied, You must love the LORD your God will all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength [Deut. 6:5], and You must love your neighbor as yourself [Lev. 19:18].[1] When Jesus selected these two verses he did… Continue reading The Other Greatest Commandment (Lev. 19:34)
How did Jesus respond to Roman imperialism? Did he ignore the oppression of his people?
Be perfect, therefore, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
According to the Gospel of Luke, when Jesus sent his disciples ahead of him, he told them to be on the lookout for "sons of peace."
